Vera Mae Monroe, age 91, a resident of Palm Bay FL, went to be with her Lord while surrounded with love on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the Melbourne Hospital in Florida.
Vera was born February 1, 1925 in Fairbury, Nebraska. She was one of six children born to Peter and Fay (Knisple) Jurgena.
On 1945 Vera was united in marriage to her beloved soul mate William Lee Monroe SR in Texas. Bill proceeded her in death in 2012.
Vera is survived by her daughter Jewel and her sons William Sr (his wife, Eunice) and Robert (his wife Jenny); eight grandchildren (Jacquline Kang, Jason Farbo, Kara, Cody, Macy, Aliya, Jade and Ethan Monroe) and three great-grandchildren (Austin, Olivia, Emma); siblings Harvey (his wife Sharon), Daryl and Orval (his wife Lil) Jurgena of Fairbury, Nebraska.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters Venith Retzlaff of Louisville, KY and Verda Schipper of Eugene, OR, brother-in-law Alvin Schipper also of Eugene, OR and sister-in-law, Renee Jurgena of Fairbury, NE.
Vera received a Master's Degree in Education and taught all the grades in public schools for four decades, beginning in a one-room school house on the Nebraskan prairie until she retired from the Indian River County School District, FL in the 1980's. She also served as a nurse during WWII and worked for Boeing during the space race at Cape Canaveral, FL. Vera held a strong faith and was a member of the Methodist church.
Vera cherished and was dedicated to her family and friends. She always gave freely of her time and helped whenever she could. Vera enjoyed painting, journaling and traveling. She loved nature and gardening being among the flowers and butterflies. Never a kinder or gentler soul was there; she will be missed by many.
Vera will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Sebastian, FL. A service honoring and celebrating the life of Vera will be announced at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to make contributions to the Parkinsons Foundation.